Referees for Rugby Championship

The International Rugby Board has announced the appointment of officials for the inaugural Rugby Championship, which starts in August.

The International Rugby Board has announced the appointment of match officials for the Rugby Championship.

The appointments were made by the IRB Match Official Selection Committee following a detailed review of performances during the June Tests.

The IRB's commitment to promoting consistency by enabling movement in and out of the group and rewarding referees who are in form is reflected in the selection of nine match officials, with Wayne Barnes back after a strong Pacific Nations Cup.

The referees will also undertake assistant referee duties alongside a group of up-and-coming referees who have earned their place owing to their performances in recent Tests and at the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa.

Rolland will make history when he referees the first match of the Rugby Championship when between Australia and New Zealand at the ANZ Stadium, Sydney on August 18.

On the same day Walsh also makes history when he referees Argentina's debut in a major annual Tier 1 competition when the Pumas face South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.

World Cup 2011 Final referee Joubert will take charge of the third Bledisloe Cup match on October 20. Chris Pollock (NZRU) was unavailable for consideration owing to hip surgery.